A RESPONSE team has been established to investigate health concerns raised by community leaders over the Hanson Cement works in Padeswood, near Mold.

Edwina Hart, Minister for Health and Social Services, has asked Public Health Wales to work with other interested agencies and the community to gain a better understanding of the health concerns associated with the cement works, formerly known as Castle Cement Ltd.

In February Castle Cement Ltd was fined £250,000 after admitting failing to run the works properly.

The court at Mold was told there could be an increased risk of cancer, respiratory and heart conditions because of the dust and rubber smoke from fires, although it was stressed none had been detected.

He said: “We are taking the views of the local community very seriously and would like to invite local residents to get in touch with us to share their public health concerns about the Hanson Cement works.”

A meeting of all the interested agencies will then take place with representatives from the Environment Agency Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Public Health Wales, Flintshire County Council, Health Protection Agency and Hanson Cement. Representatives from the local community will also be invited.

“This meeting will provide an opportunity for us to better understand the concerns of the local community and how we can respond to them”, Mr Jones said.

The response team is being organised by Public Health Wales and includes representatives from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Environment Agency Wales, Flintshire County Council and the Health Protection Agency.

People are being asked to email their comments to general.enquiries@wales.nhs.uk or to write to Hanson Cement Investigation, Public Health Wales, Preswylfa, Hendy Road, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1PZ, by Friday, June 11.